Although some players prefer a mallet with high stiffness, I firmly believe that polo mallets should be stiff at least in the top half to three-quarters of the shaft, with a little flexibility at the tip. A good mallet should feel like an extension of the hand, not too heavy to bend the wrist. With plastic balls being predominantly used, I believe few mallets or players need heads weighing more than 205 grams. The overall weight is no less important. Thus, composite mallets can easily use heavier heads than cane mallets while maintaining the same overall weight. Recent discussions with several 10-goal players in the UK have revealed a clear trend towards using lighter hammers with a total weight of 530 grams or less.
Many of the requirements for a polo mallet depend on variables such as player strength and size, size of horses, stroke style, even different playing positions and ground conditions require different types of mallets. For this reason, it is important to look at different options and have hammers custom made to your requirements.
Cane versus composites
Polo mallet rack ready for saleThe global supply of “good” quality cane for the production of polo mallets is rapidly decreasing. Over the past few years, the quality of cane polo mallets has deteriorated markedly. Many mallet manufacturers now use inferior types of cane that do not have the same density as manau cane. Therefore, they break much more easily. This year I personally selected enough quality manau canes from Asia for our own use. However, future supplies are becoming increasingly uncertain.
Hybrid hammers
In the last few years, the radical new concept of using a short cane mounted on the bottom of a Fibercane rod has been introduced. These have the advantages of a lightweight and stable shaft, but feel like reeds and can be repaired like hammers.
The actual hinge is surprisingly simple and yet strong. A 10 mm by 4 inch hole is drilled at the end of a 16/17 mm diameter cane, and then the shortened composite rod is glued with epoxy glue. A few wraps around the cane with threaded tape ensures a strong connection. This is a great concept for repairing broken Fibercane shafts.
Popular lengths
The most popular length is 52 inches, followed by 53 inches. Head weights range from 160 grams to 205 grams or more. For average build beginners, I don’t recommend either extreme, maybe 185-195 grams balanced on a medium stiff shaft. If you have less than average wrist strength, there is no point in going into the field with a mallet that is too heavy. If the hammer is too light, the blows will be forced rather than fixed. Choose a head weight that is not too tiring, but which can help create a classic pendulum swing. Remember, it’s all about timing, let the hammer do the work!